15 Best Things to Do in Windsor (CO)

Windsor is a town of about 20,000 residents that’s located in portions of both Larimer and Weld Counties.

Windsor is relatively equidistant between Denver to the south and Cheyenne, Wyoming to the north, and it’s just off Interstate 25, the state’s largest north-south highway.

Visitors to the area have easy access to an abundance of attractions of all descriptions, but it’s generally the wide-open spaces and stunning natural beauty that draw most out of state travelers.

Below are 15 fun, exhilarating and educational things to do in and around Windsor, Loveland, and Fort Collins that rank highly on many travelers’ itineraries.

1. Boomerang Links

During the spring and summer months, the weather in Colorado can be perfect for golf.

Windsor and the surrounding towns offer players of all skill levels a variety of course options, and Boomerang Links in nearby Greeley is one of the most popular.

The course has been open since 1991. Its 18 holes are noted for their well-maintained greens and fairways, and the dozens of sand traps that keep even the most adept players on their toes throughout their round.

Boomerang’s amenities include a pro shop, driving range, and a full-service bar and restaurant that are known for their refreshing drink options and hearty, reasonably priced fare.

2. Coffee House 29

Though national coffee chains are in no short supply in the Rocky Mountain State, many local and visiting java addicts choose to frequent independent coffee shops whenever they have the chance.

Coffee House 29 is a definite go-to spot for those in need of a pick-me-up. In addition to their array of hot and cold coffee offerings, they serve tea, smoothies, and baked goods.

Guests appreciate the comfy yet contemporary ambiance and fast Wi-Fi. For those with kids in tow, there are books and games to keep them busy while the adults enjoy a few minutes of much-needed relaxation.

3. Chimney Park Restaurant and Bar

Located on Main Street in Windsor, Chimney Park Restaurant and Bar has a reputation as one of the area’s premier culinary attractions, especially for those looking for a memorable dining experience that’s a bit more upscale than many area competitors.

Their menu is chock-full of delicious entrees like steaks, seafood, and salads, most of which use fresh, seasonal ingredients.

According to wine aficionados, their selection of vino is second to none, and many guests prefer to start off with adult beverages and appetizers before their main courses arrive.

There are plenty of dessert options like ice cream and cake as well.

4. Chili Thai

For those who’ve never tried it, Thai cuisine features tons of vibrant and exotic flavors. It’s usually characterized by more spiciness than most western mouths are capable of handling.

If hot peppers are things you prefer in moderation, fear not, because most dishes at Chili Thai feature customizable levels of heat.

Pad Thai and curry along with lots of fresh vegetables and hot rice are ever-popular, and there are a number of seafood items too, like sesame shrimp and chow fun.

Chili Thai features ample portion sizes, moderate prices, and a comfortable, no-frills atmosphere that keeps many happy eaters coming back again and again.

5. Poudre River Trail

More than most states, Colorado’s population enjoys quality time spent in the great outdoors. For fitness and nature lovers who prefer exploring the path less traveled, there is a staggering variety of activity options within a short drive of downtown Windsor.

Poudre River Trail offers exercisers easy access to a unique blend of the natural and humanmade worlds, and there are portions of the trail that are appropriate for those of most ages and levels of physical ability.

The trail stretches for more than 20 miles through Weld County; much of it is paved, which means it’s accessible to strollers and wheelchairs.

6. Garden of Healing Massage Therapy

For many Colorado visitors, the stunning mountains and fresh air work wonders for releasing stress and tension, but for some, they’re just not enough to undo the damage their hectic lifestyles have wrought.

Garden of Healing Massage Therapy is located on East Garden Drive in Windsor and is run by an experienced masseuse with nearly 15 years of experience.

There are a variety of options available, each of which can be tailored to the needs of the recipient.

Massage can be a natural and inexpensive alternative to traditional medical remedies. Though there’s no magic bullet, previous guests have noted that their physical and mental wellbeing improved noticeably after their visit.

7. Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures

Located just up the road from Windsor, Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures is the perfect attraction for those who need a break from outdoor activities.

The museum’s collection includes a unique blend of art from around the world, of which works from Southeast Asia, Africa, and Europe are well-represented.

There’s also a variety of historical and contemporary American folk art, and a photography exhibit that’s often the most appreciated.

The museum is located on West Mountain Avenue in Fort Collins. They offer guided tours by appointment, as well as fun and educational activities aimed at visitors traveling with children.

8. Winter Wonderlights

Winter Wonderlights is an annual event that takes place in nearby Loveland between the middle of November and January 1st.

Previous guests have described it as a magical experience. It takes place in the evening and includes local businesses – and the park it’s held in – decked out in their Christmas lights and decorations.

On select weekend nights during the event, there are many local vendors selling everything from holiday decorations and food to arts, crafts, and apparel.

The hours are from 5 to 9 PM, and there’s live entertainment and fun events on the weekend as well.

9. Annual Flower Trial Garden

Fort Collins’ Annual Flower Trial Garden is a popular event that’s been going strong since the early ‘70s.

It’s held from May to October when the weather in Colorado is usually perfect for being outdoors, and it also coincides with the spring bloom when the flowers are at their most stunning.

In addition to its idyllic and visual roles, the garden is a community outreach venue that was originally conceived to provide university students, locals, and visitors a convenient way to experience the wonders of nature in a relatively urban setting.

The gardens are part of the city’s Center for the Arts and can be visited year-round.

10. Benson Park Sculpture Garden

The Benson Park Sculpture Garden is located in Loveland, and though it’s not usually on most visitor’s itineraries, those lucky enough to stumble upon it generally consider it one of the most memorable side trips of their time in Colorado.

The park includes ponds, easily walkable paths, and a variety of stunning sculptures in several distinct areas on both sides of Beach and Aspen Streets.

The gardens are the perfect place for a relaxing morning or afternoon stroll, and there’s an annual juried sculpture show that takes place in the second week of August, so consider stopping by then if you’ve got the time.

11. Fort Collins Museum of Discovery

For those with access to a set of wheels and a willingness to hit the open road, Fort Collins is the perfect place to spend a day or two.

The Fort Collins Museum of Discovery includes exhibits that touch on art, science, culture, and history, and it’s located on Mason Court near the downtown area.

The museum traces its roots back to 1941. Though it’s changed locations and even its name since then, it’s remained one of the area’s premier attractions.

Much of what’s on display includes Native American and settler-era artifacts as well as western art, housewares, and farm implements from those who lived in the area more than a century ago.

12. Avery House

The Avery family were prominent Fort Collins citizens in the 1800s, and the patriarch was responsible for founding the First National Bank in the city in 1879.

The house they once lived in has been turned into a museum that’s now listed on the National Register of Historic Places; it’s been maintained to resemble the state it was in nearly 150 years ago.

The home’s most notable feature is its Queen Anne Tower, which was just one of many additions to the house the family made over the years.

Inside, there are plenty of historic signs, as well as art, housewares, and antique furniture that were considered swank and stylish by the standards of the day.

13. Boyd Lake State Park

State parks are inexpensive and convenient attractions for those who value time spent outdoors more than at museums and malls.

Boyd Lake State Park is located in Loveland and offers visitors plenty of activity options.

The park’s walking trails are popular with hikers and bird watchers, and there’s a sandy, lakeside beach that’s great for swimming and soaking up rays during the warm summer months.

Other park activities include camping, paddle boarding, and fishing, and many visitors choose to pack their own food and drinks and stop to have a picnic when their stomachs are empty.

14. The Cache La Poudre River National Heritage Area

The Cache La Poudre River National Heritage Area is located along the state’s Front Range and was home to some of Colorado’s earliest explorers, trappers, and settlers in the 1800s.

It’s a large area that includes a number of historical, natural, and recreation attractions. Many visitors who choose to visit consider their time on-site to be among the most memorable and educational of their trip.

A few of the Heritage Area’s most important sites include Fort Collins’ Water Works, historic homes, and other lesser-known attractions like a nuclear missile silo from the ‘60s, and a World War II-era POW camp.

15. The Colorado Room

The Colorado Room is located on South College Avenue in Fort Collins and is one of those places that has the uncanny ability to blend the traditional and comfortable with the trendy and fun.

The management made it a point to include lots of local flare in the restaurant; this goes for the wood used in the table and chairs, as well as the fresh local ingredients used in their entrees.

Their menu includes a nice variety of traditional fare like steaks, chops, and barbecue, and there are lighter and more internationally influenced items as well for those who want to try something new.